The last few years have seen a rise in the number of sample-based keyboards and modules dedicated to reproducing the distinctive tones of the Hammond organ in a portable, low-cost, MIDI-friendly package. Nick Magnus checks out the latest keyboard offering from Hammond themselves.

The Minimoog rides again thanks to Welsh company Moog Music Limited. But how close does it sound to the original? We at SOS knew opinion would be split, so we got five of our regular synth reviewers, all previous or current Mini owners, to give us their views. Step forward Nick Magnus (main text), Paul Nagle, Paul Ward, Paul Wiffen and Steve Howell...

Studio Vision has been offering digital audio recording for an amazing eight years, making Opcode a pioneer in this field. Martin Russ sets out to discover whether successor Studio Vision Pro is still keeping up with the times, and finds it visibly improved...

There's a new star in the current galaxy of groovy dance-oriented synths, but does it outshine the rest? Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser investigate Quasimidi's most comprehensive dance music creation tool yet.

Roland have repackaged their techno-centric Groovebox, the MC505, adding a keyboard and removing some of the performance features. The result is the JX305. But have they thrown out the baby with the bathwater? Derek Johnson finds out...

SPL are remowned for producing highly specialised audio processing tools, and their latest product is no exception. Paul White attempts to unravel the mysteries of the Transient Designer dynamics processor.

The upgrade of Cubase to version 4.0 sees the software comprehensively overhauled — and it's available in an optional 24-bit version for the first time. Martin Walker temporarily changes platform for the next stage of the Cubase journey.

Superficially, it may look no different from other soundcards, but Yamaha's new DSP Factory is a real TARDIS when it comes to facilities. Martin Walker explores a soundcard that's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

While the fame and fortune of pop stars is frequently short-lived, session musicians can carve out a career lasting many years, making a living through sheer ability and professionalism. Big George Webley goes behind the scenes....
• Read Part 2 (November 1998)

It's the dream of many an SOS reader to have a multimillion-selling worldwide hit with a track recorded in your bedroom — but as Crewe-based Dario G found out, it can create more problems than it solves. Matt Bell finds out how the group came through the turbulent waters of success to produce a fine debut album.

David Ferguson has worked his way up from sampling hoovers on tape to an enviable position as a highly sought-after TV composer. Debbie Poyser & Derek Johnson discovers how he managed it, and find out his views on the way the music-for-TV industry is developing.

It's all in the mind... music, that is. A computer can't begin to make music without a human being... or can it? Paul Hodgson explains the current way of thinking at the cutting edge of research into music cognition.

Continuing his quest for the perfect listening environment, Paul White looks at ways to treat a control room without having to bring in the builders.
• Read Part 1 (July 1998)
• Read Part 2 (August 1998)
• Read Part 3 (September 1998)
• Read Part 5 (November 1998)